PUBLICATION NOTICE: Maintaining Salt Marshes in the Face of Sea Level Rise - Review of Literature and Techniques

The US Army Engineer Research and Development Center has published the report/note described and linked below. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

Report Number:

ERDC/EL SR-19-4

Title:

Maintaining Salt Marshes in the Face of Sea Level Rise - Review of Literature and Techniques

Author(s):

Christine M. VanZomeren, Damarys Acevedo-Mackey, Elizabeth O. Murray, and Trudy J. Estes

Purpose/Abstract:

Guidance relevant to the maintenance and restoration of coastal salt marshes in the face of sea level rise is limited and sometimes conflicting; an understanding of ecological considerations and best management practices are needed to inform restoration and management that is appropriate, timely, successful, and sustainable. A literature search was conducted to assess the severity of current and projected impacts of sea level rise on salt marshes throughout the coastal regions of the United States, to identify other stressors contributing to relative sea level rise, to assess and consolidate current practices in marsh management, and to identify knowledge gaps that are impediments to development of consistent best management practices for restoring or maintaining marshes exhibiting degradation due to relative sea level rise. Literature identified in this search is synthesized, organized by stressor type, relevant metrics, management actions, and adaptive management. The citations are presented in such a way as to be easily utilized by managers of marshes degraded by relative sea level rise. The results of this literature search will inform data acquisition efforts to address data gaps and uncertainties necessary to support development of a holistic approach to identifying, sustaining, and restoring impacted marsh areas.

178 pgs / 2.4 mb

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED

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